Tag

Aetosaur

All articles tagged with #aetosaur

paleontology1 year ago•2 min saved

"Texas Unearths 215 Million-Year-Old Crocodile Ancestor, Dubbed Triassic Tank"

A newly discovered species of aetosaur, named Garzapelta muelleri, has been unearthed in Texas, dating back 215 million years. These armored crocodile cousins were stout-limbed beasts covered in bony plates and lived during the late Triassic period. The fossil, discovered in 1989, presents unique features that puzzled researchers in determining its place on the aetosaur family tree, ultimately leading to the conclusion that its spikes likely evolved independently through convergent evolution.

via Livescience.com|

#aetosaur #armored-crocodile #evolutionary-history

paleontology1 year ago•5 min saved

"Texas Fossil Unveils Triassic Crocodile Ancestor's Armor Evolution"

Researchers have identified a new aetosaur species, Garzapelta muelleri, in Texas, shedding light on the armored creatures of the Triassic era. The 70% complete carapace of the specimen has provided valuable insights into the evolutionary history of aetosaurs, revealing convergent evolution and the challenges of placing Garzapelta within the aetosaur family tree. This significant discovery offers a glimpse into the diverse armor and body structures of these ancient reptiles, providing a better understanding of their morphology and evolutionary biology.

via SciTechDaily|

#aetosaur #evolution #fossil

paleontology1 year ago•3 min saved

"Garzapelta: The Newly Identified Ancient Crocodile Ancestor"

Paleontologists have discovered a new species of ancient crocodile, named Garzapelta muelleri, which lived during the Late Triassic period and was known for its sturdy bony armor. The specimen, found in northwest Texas, had been sitting on a shelf for 30 years before being identified as a new species. These aetosaurs were characterized by their extensive bony armor and are thought to have gone extinct around 200 million years ago, possibly due to environmental changes or competition from evolving dinosaur groups. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of these creatures and the convergent evolution of their protective features.

via Newsweek|

#aetosaur #ancient-crocodile #garzapelta-muelleri

paleontology1 year ago•1 min saved

"UT Austin Researchers Unveil Ancient Crocodile Ancestor, Garzapelta: The Triassic Tank"

The ancient reptile Garzapelta muelleri, an aetosaur, lived over 200 million years ago and was recently identified after 30 years of being unidentified. Its fossil, found in Texas, is 70% complete and features most of the animal's body, including its shieldlike carapace and bony plates for protection. The creature, resembling a polite crocodile, is a significant find in paleontology and provides valuable insights into the anatomy and evolution of ancient reptiles.

via Gizmodo|

#aetosaur #fossil #garzapelta-muelleri